United News of Bangladesh

Academic and administrative activities at 63 out of 113 government-run primary schools in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district are severely hampered, as more than half of these institutions have been running for years without permanent head teachers. The leadership vacuum has led to a major crisis in primary education, deeply concerning parents and local communities about the quality of instruction for the country’s future generations. Currently, locals said, assistant teachers are forced to operate as acting headmasters, struggling to balance critical administrative duties with their primary responsibility of classroom teaching. They said this dual role is proving unsustainable and is directly disrupting regular education. Morsheda Akhter, the acting head of Parameshwardi Government Primary School, shared the heavy burden. “At least 10 days every month I have to remain busy with official work at the upazila office, leaving classes seriously disrupted,” she said. Echoing this frustration, Muslima Akhter, acting head of Amgaon Bargao Government Primary School, noted she is required to be at the upazila office from the third to the ninth of each month. Consequently, she cannot conduct regular classes, which significantly harms students’ studies. Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy emphasises urgent need to improve quality of primary education Shah Alam, acting head of Ladhurchar Government Primary School, corroborated the sentiment, stating that the immense administrative workload leaves him with little time for classroom teaching. The problem is not new for many schools. At Tekpara Government Primary School, acting head teacher Saleha Akhter revealed that the school has been without a head teacher for a significant three years. With a minimal staff of only four teachers, she explained, “it has become very difficult to run the school properly, and students’ learning is suffering.” Parents are increasingly worried. Rabiul Islam, the father of a fifth grader, lamented that teachers are "Overstretched and one teacher often has to handle multiple classes at the same time. This situation is directly impacting the quality of education provided.” According to the upazila primary education office, the root of the crisis lies in a centralised administrative bottleneck. Law enacted to govern National Academy of Primary Education Sonargaon Upazila Education Officer Shafiqul Islam Sarkar acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying that the recruitment and promotion of head teachers is a national matter. “Unless promotions are cleared centrally, local vacancies cannot be filled. This has aggravated the crisis,” he added. Guardians and local community members, expressing grave concern over the situation, have urgently called upon the authorities concerned to fill the vacant posts with qualified teachers soon to ensure smooth education and secure the future of the nation’s students.

Footpaths are meant to provide safe and accessible spaces for pedestrians, but in Dhaka they often serve a very different purpose. Street vendors and hawkers occupy much of the space, selling everything from fruits and snacks to clothes and shoes. Construction materials are frequently piled up, while motorcyclists and cyclists use the walkways to dodge traffic on the main roads, turning pedestrians’ movement into a daily challenge. Still, there is some hope for those struggling to walk through these encroachments, as the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has taken an initiative to make parts of the city walkable again. The DNCC has decided to deploy 400 armed Ansar members to keep the city’s footpaths permanently free from illegal occupation. “The main objective of deploying Ansar members on the footpaths is to ensure that no one can reoccupy them after eviction drives. Once the armed Ansar members are stationed, illegal occupiers will not be able to return,” DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz Ahmed told UNB. He said that from this month, around 50 armed Ansar members will initially be deployed in selected areas, including Uttara, Mirpur and the Farmgate footbridges and surrounding zones. By November, the deployment will expand to a total of 400 members within the DNCC’s jurisdiction. Expenses for the deployment of Ansar members will be covered by the DNCC’s own fund. Years of negligence behind Dhaka’s waterlogging: DNCC administrator Responding to a query, Ejaz Ahmed said, “Over the past seven months, more than 100 magistrate-led eviction drives have been carried out at different points in areas like Uttara, Mirpur, and Farmgate. However, within days, the footpaths are re-occupied by illegal vendors. With armed Ansar on duty, we expect to prevent this recurrence.” Asked about the impact on small vendors who might lose their livelihoods due to the evictions, he said, “We have planned to introduce selective holiday markets where small traders can legally operate on weekends or designated days. This will help them continue their businesses in an organised way.” Clearing footpaths of illegal encroachments remains a major challenge, as they serve as a means of livelihood for low-income people and a source of extortion for influential quarters. During the tenure of the previous Awami League government, local leaders and activists affiliated with the ruling party were widely accused of collecting daily, weekly and monthly ‘tolls’ from small traders operating along the city’s footpaths. Street vendors also alleged that a portion of these collections went to members of law enforcement agencies. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, the alleged extortion came to a halt. The illegal practice, however, allegedly resumed in most parts of Dhaka from the beginning of this year and this time under the banner of a major political party and its affiliated organisations. During recent visits to several areas including Mirpur, Uttara, Motijheel, Paltan and Gulistan, it was found that street vendors are once again being forced to pay ‘tolls’. DNCC to build two bridges over Narai River connecting Aftabnagar, Banasree Talking to UNB, many traders said they had to pay such extortion money to Awami League leaders during the previous regime, but the system briefly stopped after the political changeover last year. They alleged that leaders and activists of a particular political party and its front organisations are now involved in the same practice. Several footpath hawkers said they are compelled to make daily payments ranging from Tk 50 to Tk 500 depending on the location and nature of their business. Those who refuse to pay the demanded ‘tolls’ face harassment or eviction from their trading spots, they alleged. “No matter who is in power, we have to pay. The faces and political colours may change, but the extortion never stops. It’s a continuous system run by politically connected groups,” said a trader in Mirpur Section-10, preferring not to be named. Ashis Kumar Dey, president of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways, said that leaders and activists of political parties, particularly those from the ruling side, have long been involved in footpath extortion. He alleged that a section of dishonest police officers and city corporation officials are also complicit. “Awami League and its affiliated organisations carried out such activities for about 15 and half years. Since the change of power on 5 August 2024, the Awami League has disappeared from the scene. No political party is in power now, yet extortion continues. Unfortunately, the authorities have failed to stop it,” he said. Urban experts and rights advocates say both the city corporations and the police are well aware of the ongoing extortion but remain largely inactive. DNCC removes 20,889 tonnes of sacrificial waste in three days: Administrator They said freeing footpaths from illegal occupation and curbing organised extortion have become urgent to restore civic order, protect public property and uphold good governance in the capital. Commenting on extortion from footpath vendors, DNCC Administrator Ejaz Ahmed said, “Extortionists use the names of political parties to collect money in three ways -- first, for setting up shops; second, for providing illegal electricity and water connections; and third, for so-called night security. Once the footpaths are freed and guarded by armed Ansar, this extortion will stop.” The administrator expressed optimism that the initiative would ensure free movement for pedestrians and bring discipline to the city’s public spaces.

What was once envisioned as a milestone project for women’s sports in Rangpur has now become a grazing ground for cattle and goats. The Tk 38-crore women’s sports complex, constructed on 10 acres of land in Uttam Hajir Haat area of Rangpur city, has been lying abandoned for years due to poor planning, lack of maintenance and official neglect. The complex, launched by the National Sports Council in 2017, was meant to inspire female athletes and provide them with modern facilities, including dormitories, a gymnasium, an indoor stadium and training grounds. Although construction was not fully complete, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the project on August 2, 2023, during an election rally at Rangpur Zilla School field. A glimpse of its potential was seen in 2022, when the ‘Divisional Commissioner Cup Women’s Football Tournament’ brought together women’s teams from eight districts of Rangpur division. But since then, the gates have remained largely shut. During a recent visit, this correspondent found the main gate of the complex locked while a smaller side gate stood ajar. Local residents were seen grazing cattle, cutting grass and moving freely across the overgrown field now covered in weeds and wild plants. The infrastructure tells a story of abandonment: broken windows, damp walls, stained plaster, and crumbling corners. ACC probes alleged fund misuse in Cumilla ‘mini stadium’ project The gymnasium remains padlocked, the dormitories gather dust and cobwebs and algae stains the floors. What were once modern facilities have now been reduced to relics of mismanagement. “It’s been nine years since we saw any tournament here. This huge complex has been rotting for years and no one seems to care,” said local resident Azizul Bari Swapan. Another resident, Afsana Akter, expressed her disappointment, “We thought girls would play here regularly and we’d get a chance too. But now, it’s not a field anymore—just a place for cows to graze. We can’t even go there.” Sports enthusiasts say the neglect represents more than wasted infrastructure—it is a missed opportunity for promoting women’s sports in northern Bangladesh. “If this sports complex had been made operational, it could have opened up a new horizon for women’s sports,” said former cricketer and coach Arifa Jahan Bithi. She went on to say, “Everything is here, but due to lack of staffing and proper support, it’s falling apart. A multi-crore project is now in ruins. I don’t know why it hasn’t been opened yet. It seems like a complete waste of public money.” Bangladesh to construct 201 mini-stadiums under a mega project Authorities have acknowledged the failure. Selowara Begum, the current member-secretary of the Women’s Sports Complex Committee, admitted, “It’s unfortunate that the complex has been left in neglect for so long. We are now considering how to engage the local girls in sports and have already begun working on it. We will investigate what went wrong in the previous years.” Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Rabiul Faisal also assured that initiatives are underway. “Steps will be taken soon to make the Women’s Sports Complex operational. Meetings have already been held and a women’s football tournament will be launched shortly,” he said.

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC is facing a severe financial and managerial crisis due to years of irregular recruitment under S. Alam Group, according to officials. The bank’s management has recently begun efforts to restore order by assessing the competency of thousands of unqualified staff who were reportedly hired without proper procedures. Kamal Uddin Jasim, Additional Managing Director (AMD) of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC (IBBL), said the bank is incurring a staggering annual loss of over Tk1500 crore due to the unauthorised, large-scale hiring of more than 8,000 unqualified and semi-literate people under the previous management linked to S. Alam Group. Many of these individuals were allegedly appointed in exchange of money and without public job circulars or exams, he said. The cost of maintaining these illegally appointed officers is estimated to be over Tk 1500 crore annually, translating to a total loss of more than Tk 10,000 crore for the bank over the past seven years, according to a Bangladesh Bank report. This massive financial burden, coupled with the looting of over Tk1.0 lakh crore from the bank makes the institution's future financial stability almost impossible, it said. Bangladesh Bank’s investigations also found that several employees had used fake educational certificates. The crisis intensified recently when approximately 90 percent of these employees boycotted a special competency test arranged by the current bank management to re-evaluate their professional competency. In a display of direct defiance, these officers have reportedly engaged in a campaign of slander against the bank, held press conferences, and issued threats to the present management. As part of these activities, the bank's official Facebook page was allegedly hacked on Friday morning, purportedly instigated by ‘outsiders’. A former director of Islami Bank expressed serious concern saying that customer funds may not be safe in the hands of these rebellious employees whose open defiance indicates that bank vaults or cash counters are not secure under their supervision. He warned that the bank may face a severe crisis if swift action is not taken. Officials said the irregular appointments had turned the once internationally reputed bank into a regional institution heavily influenced by the Chattogram-based group. Office space for proposed 'United Islami Bank' approved in Sena Kalyan Bhaban Many of the recruits reportedly spoke only in local dialects inside offices creating communication barriers and deteriorating customer service. They used the power and influence of S. Alam to mistreat colleagues, ignore instructions from superiors, and arbitrarily force transfers to preferred locations, often within the Chattogram region, said an official of HRD section of Islami Bank. Managers or senior officials who attempted to enforce rules were met with false allegations that threatened their posting or job security. The climate of fear created by their power and insolence kept the entire management, including zonal heads in a state of constant anxiety. The officials are still threatening to return to their positions after the next national election, along with S. Alam, said the official. Banking professionals have warned that such large-scale irregularities and fund misappropriation have undermined public confidence in the sector. Masrur Arefin, Managing Director of City Bank, at a progrmme of bankers recently said, “S. Alam alone has destroyed the entire banking sector.” Meanwhile, customers have also voiced frustration online. “The illegal bankers of Patiya are protesting to keep their jobs, but why aren’t they demanding the return of Tk 1 lakh crore allegedly smuggled by their ringleader S. Alam?” wrote Aminul Islam on social media.

The government has approved a Tk 866.55 crore project to modernise laboratories and upgrade infrastructure at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (Duet), Gazipur, aiming to transform it into an international-standard research and education hub. The project aims to create a technology-based skilled workforce by modernising engineering and technology education and research facilities through the establishment of an international standard research center. The project, titled “Modernisation and Capacity Enhancement of Laboratories and Necessary Infrastructure Development at Duet, Gazipur”, will run from July 2025 to June 2029, with the entire cost to be borne from the government exchequer. The project will be jointly implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Duet. It includes construction of new academic and laboratory buildings, modernisation of research facilities, development of student accommodation for 1,600 learners, and enhanced campus security and communication systems. According to the project document, there is a need for research-oriented engineering science and technology-based technical education to accelerate economic progress through continuous modernisation of the production system and higher growth-oriented transformation. The project proposed by the Secondary and Higher Education Department has been adopted with the aim of modernising engineering and technology education and research facilities by establishing international standard research centers, modernising university laboratories, constructing academic and laboratory buildings, and creating security and inter-campus communication facilities, it said. It included modernisation of research laboratories for about 3,500 students of the university, construction of an 11,508 square meter academic building and a 33,500 square meter laboratory building, creation of housing facilities for 1,600 new students and creation of security and inter-campus communication facilities. According to the project document, alignment with development plan objectives and targets, a highly skilled workforce equipped with the necessary technical and professional skills is required to achieve economic growth in Bangladesh. For this reason, the 8th Five Year Plan (July 2020-June 2025) has emphasised on improving the quality of higher education as a development strategy for the education sector. The government has already set a goal to create interest in studying science and technology among the younger generation. The project document said the government is committed to promoting research at all levels and conducting research and innovation activities to introduce new technologies is a goal. It is expected that the implementation of the proposed project will create a skilled workforce by establishing international standard research centers, acquiring engineering and technological knowledge, and modernising education and research facilities as a strategy to accelerate the country's economic development. A significant component involves the procurement of 7,269 laboratory equipment items at a cost of Tk. 266.62 crore, which accounts for 30.77% of the total project expenditure. This investment will substantially enhance the quality of scientific research and advanced learning at the university. In terms of infrastructure development, a number of large-scale construction works are included. At the old campus, three existing halls—Dr. Kudrat-e-Khuda Hall, Dr. F. R. Khan Hall, and Shaheed Muktijoddha Hall—will be replaced by a 13-story student dormitory with a basement and a dining facility to accommodate 1,200 students, covering 30,355 square meters at an estimated cost of Tk. 160.32 crore (18.50%). Besides, a 17-story multipurpose research center with two basements will be built on the old campus, covering 25,500 square meters, with an allocation of Tk. 140.22 crore (16.18%). Further expansion works include the construction of a Teachers-Students Complex at the old campus. On the new campus, the existing academic building will be vertically expanded from the 8th to the 12th floor, adding 11,508 square meters at a cost of Tk. 47.98 crore (5.54%). The existing laboratory building will be extended from the 5th to the 12th floor, adding 8,000 square meters, with a budget of Tk. 37.55 crore (4.33%). Other planned works include the vertical expansion of the Bijoy 24 student hall on the new campus, extending it from the 7th to the 10th floor to cover 4,000 square meters, costing Tk. 19.46 crore (2.25%). The Teachers’ and Officers’ Building at the old campus will also be expanded from the 6th to the 10th floor, covering 3,415 square meters, with a budget of Tk. 16.92 crore (1.95%). Besides, the existing ICT Incubator Building on the new campus will be extended up to the 10th floor, including ancillary works, covering 1,000 square meters, with an allocation of Tk. 12.69 crore (1.46%). Planning Commission officials said that it is expected that the project under consideration will play an important role in creating a technology-based skilled manpower by modernising engineering and technology education and research facilities, modernising university laboratories, constructing academic and laboratory buildings, and creating security and inter-campus communication facilities through the establishment of an international standard research center. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud welcomed the initiative, noting that no land acquisition was required. “This is a good project. DUET graduates are performing exceptionally well abroad—sometimes even better than Buet graduates,” he said, recalling his surprise at meeting a renowned professor in London who was a DUET alumnus.  

Nearly three lakh residents of Beanibazar upazila in Sylhet district are being deprived of proper healthcare as the area’s only public hospital — the 50-bed Beanibazar Upazila Health Complex — faces an acute shortage of doctors, with effectively just one physician available to serve the entire population. According to official sources, the health complex has 27 approved posts for doctors, but only five are currently in position.  These include the upazila health officer, one residential medical officer and three consultants.  However, the consultants are engaged primarily in surgical duties and do not take part in regular medical care, while the health officer is occupied with administrative responsibilities.  As a result, only one doctor is left to handle the overwhelming patient load. This dire situation has persisted for nearly three years, with many doctors joining the facility only to be swiftly transferred elsewhere.  Health adviser’s treatment in Singapore should be viewed from humanitarian perspective: Asif Mahmud Despite repeated media reports, visits and recommendations from higher authorities, no tangible steps have been taken to resolve the crisis. On Monday, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sylhet, along with the civil surgeon and other officials, visited the hospital and expressed strong dissatisfaction over the collapsing state of healthcare in the upazila. Hospital records reveal long-term absenteeism among several appointed doctors.  The emergency medical officer, who joined in July 2010, has been absent since November 2011 — nearly 14 years — without any disciplinary action. The Residential Medical Officer has been absent since May 2023, while the indoor medical officer since July 2023, and the medical officer since August 2023.  Another doctor has not reported for duty for the past three years. Locals allege that some of these doctors are currently abroad pursuing higher studies, leaving the hospital’s services in disarray. Upazila Health Officer Dr Monirul Haque Khan said several doctors are either absent, transferred, or made officers on special duty (OSD), and the issue has been consistently reported to higher authorities. Sylhet Civil Surgeon Dr Nasir Uddin said that letters have been sent multiple times but, without action from the ministry, little progress can be made.  “We continue to send recommendations to the ministry for necessary steps,” he said. Residents fear that unless immediate measures are taken, the healthcare system in Beanibazar will remain paralysed, depriving thousands of timely medical treatment. During his visit, DC Sarwoer Alam warned that the hospital could no longer be allowed to operate in such a disorganised manner. “All administrative measures will be taken to ensure healthcare services for rural people,” he said. Prof Yunus cautions against leaving healthcare to profit-driven actors

The Election Commission is seriously working to design an effective strategy to curb the abuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media, considering the fight against misinformation and disinformation on social media as a major challenge during the upcoming national election slated for February 2026. The current commission, headed by AMM Nasir Uddin, believes the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media could hamper a congenial electoral environment ahead of the 13th parliamentary election in this era of artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Taking the issue seriously, the EC has already incorporated several provisions in the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Election Rule 2025 to check the misuse of AI and social media. Besides, the commission has planned to form a central cell or committee to effectively control AI- and social media-related abuses. “We’ll form a committee to effectively control the abuses of AI and social media. But it may be a central cell or an effective committee. We’ve yet to define its name,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told UNB on Wednesday. Alongside the central committee, the Commission may also set up committees at district or upazila level to contain such abuses, if necessary. NBR unveils 10-year strategy to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation In the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Election Rule 2025 finalized on September 4, the EC imposed a ban on the misuse of AI and social media, along with restrictions on drones and quadcopters in election campaigns. According to the clause 16 of the code of conduct, a candidate or his election agent or any other persons on his behalf can carry out election campaign on social media, but the name and account ID, e-mail ID and other identifying information of a candidate or his election agent or party related social media must be submitted to the Returning Officer before the commencement of the campaign. In the case of social media campaigns, Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be used for malicious purposes in any election-related matter, including campaigning. As per the clause, all types of harmful content, including hate speech, misinformation, disfiguring someone's face and fabricated election-related information, shall not be created and disseminated as well as hate speech, personal attacks, or inflammatory language targeting opponents, women, minorities, or any other group of people shall not be used in the social media. Bangladesh Polls: Lines redrawn, but 22 upazilas still stranded between 2 seats The clause also states that religious or ethnic sentiments must not be exploited for electoral gain; and the authenticity of all election-related content must be verified before publication or sharing on social media. It further states that no political party, candidate, or supporter shall create, publish, circulate or share any false, misleading, biased, hateful, obscene, offensive or defamatory content on social media or any other medium, generally or by editing or by means of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the intention of misleading voters or of defaming the character or reputation of any candidate or person, regardless of gender. The maximum punishment for violating this code is six months’ imprisonment, or a fine of Tk 150,000 or both. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on several occasions stressed that the misuse of AI and social media poses a major challenge ahead of the next national election. "With the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is possible to circulate content using my exact image and voice. In this election, such abuse of AI has emerged as a major challenge for us. We are trying to address it," he said at a function in Khulna on July 26 last. He said AI can generate a massive volume of misinformation and disinformation in some cases, which disrupt the election campaigns completely. This is a modern threat of the digital era, which is more dangerous than weapons, he added. In his latest remarks on September 28, the CEC reiterated that the Commission has been working seriously to fight the abuse of AI, misinformation and disinformation on social media during the upcoming national election. “We’ve been seriously working on this issue for a long time. InshAllah, we’ll develop a central communication cell. We’re fully aware of the consequences of abuse of social media and AI,” he said. Senior election officers at a conference at Nirbachan Bhaban on September 27 last also raised the issue saying that they must fight the abuse of AI and social media to ensure a congenial atmosphere in the upcoming election.    

Sudden and severe riverbank erosion has taken a devastating turn in Par Bishnupur village of Kalia upazila of Narail district, swallowing several business establishments overnight and leaving local traders and farming families in crisis. According to locals, at least 10 shops in Par Bishnupur Bazar, situated on the banks of the Nabaganga River, collapsed into the river in a single night. Trees along the market’s edge were also swept away. The abrupt destruction has left business owners disoriented, while agriculture-dependent families are facing acute hardship. Dhaka’s battery rickshaw anarchy: Crackdown or compromise? Dilruba, a tea stall owner, shared her distress, “As a woman, I have been running this tea shop for years to support my family. With the shop gone to the river, I no longer have any income. Every day I worry about how to feed my children.” Abdul Quddus, who owned a grocery, tea and cosmetics shop, said, “I have lost everything at once. The shop was my only source of livelihood. Now that everything has been washed away, I am left on the streets with my family. I don’t know where to go or what to do.” Local resident Shariful Sheikh said that riverbank erosion is a recurring problem in the area, but this year’s devastation is unprecedented. “Every year erosion happens here, but I never imagined it would be this severe. The entire market collapsed overnight. Unless a permanent embankment is built, the whole area will disappear into the river,” he said. Anthrax outbreak spreads in Rangpur, sparks concern in northern districts Another grocery shop owner, Nazrul Sheikh, expressed despair, “The shop’s earnings were enough to sustain my family. Now, with it gone, we are left destitute. Unless compensation or rehabilitation is arranged, we have no way to survive.” Tea stall owner Atiar Mina said, “It was a small shop, but it was the lifeline for our family. The river has swallowed it. Now there is no work, and we are spending our days in hunger. If the government does not step in with urgent aid, we will be forced to live on the streets.” Former chairman of Purulia Union Parishad, Abu Bakar Siddique, warned of the broader impact, “If the market collapses like this, the entire economy of the area will crumble. Not only the market, but roads, mosques, schools and many important structures are at risk. If the government does not immediately construct a permanent embankment, Par Bishnupur Bazar will soon vanish from the map.” Feni villagers watch helplessly as erosion swallows homes Responding to the crisis, Abhijit Kumar Saha, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, said, “As soon as we heard about the erosion at Par Bishnupur Bazar in Purulia Union, we dispatched representatives from the office. We are monitoring the situation closely. Discussions have already been held with higher authorities, and we will take measures as quickly as possible to prevent further erosion.”  

Unauthorised battery-powered rickshaws have flooded the streets of Dhaka, moving unchecked across flyovers, major roads and narrow lanes. With no effective regulation or monitoring, these vehicles have created a state of disorder on the roads, worsening traffic congestion and increasing accident risks. Although the exact figure is uncertain, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) estimates that there are more than 60 lakh battery-powered rickshaws across the country, with 10 to 12 lakh of them operating in the capital alone. A survey conducted by Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) revealed that 20 percent of road accidents in its jurisdiction are caused by these vehicles, with women and children being the worst affected. Built without following safety standards, these rickshaws frequently mount pavements and are often involved in collisions due to their uncontrolled speed. Tougher policy soon to regulate battery-run rickshaws in Bangladesh Local residents and commuters are increasingly alarmed. Mehdi Hasan of Malibagh said, “Auto-rickshaws should be banned at any cost. Each auto-rickshaw is practically an accident machine. Visit the orthopaedic hospital and others to see the damage.” Md Rakib echoed the frustration, pointing to the influence of vested groups, “The administration cannot even touch the rickshaw syndicate. They routinely confiscate 10–15 rickshaws but do nothing meaningful. The government must take strict, decisive action.” Private car driver Suman added that the problem has become unbearable for motorists. “The numbers have become so overwhelming that even driving at a normal speed is difficult. These drivers lack any basic knowledge of road safety and drive recklessly, making it hard for private car drivers like us to navigate," he said. From the law enforcement side, Anisur Rahman, a police sergeant, admitted the challenge, “For every 100 battery rickshaws we confiscate, 500 more hit the streets. It’s time to shut down the workshops and stop importing parts altogether.” A visit to different areas of the capital shows how deeply entrenched the industry has become. Hundreds of small and large workshops in Mohammadpur, Bosila, Keraniganj, Beribadh, Old Dhaka, Jatrabari, Mugda, Manda and Mirpur are manufacturing battery-run rickshaws daily. Battery-run rickshaws won’t be allowed on Dhaka's main roads: DNCC Administrator Attempts by past governments to restrict their operation largely failed. Authorities are now trying to ban them from VIP roads, though with little success. Booming Business Battery-run rickshaws, or e-rickshaws, first appeared in Bangladesh in the late 2000s, when local innovators began retrofitting traditional cycle rickshaws with imported Chinese electric motors and lead-acid batteries. Today, the industry is estimated at USD 871 million (2022), comprising 3 to 4 million vehicles that transport over 112 million people every day. According to Professor Mohammed Ehsan of the Mechanical Engineering Department at BUET, profitability is the key driver behind their rapid growth. “Compared to other businesses, the return on investment is huge. Owners earn at least Tk 500 a day by investing Tk 70,000 without ensuring any quality. The government must intervene to regulate quality and control their spread,” he said. Don't ride battery-run rickshaws and buy anything from hawkers on footpaths:DNCC Garage owners are reaping the benefits. Khokon Mia, who runs a garage in Dhaka, explained: “I earn around Tk 200,000 a month from this business but I spend half of it on paying off police, local gangs, and thieves to keep operations running smoothly. This is an open secret. Everyone wants to invest in this business because of the quick profits.” Corporation Initiative Yet to Take Off In June, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced that newly designed battery-run e-rickshaws, developed by BUET, would be introduced on Dhaka’s streets by August. However, the initiative has yet to materialise. According to the plan, the new vehicles will be launched in two zones on a trial basis. They will receive five-year licences with annual fitness checks, while monthly road permit fees will also be collected. Drivers will be trained on road safety and vehicle handling, with a target to train 100,000 drivers. Importantly, these rickshaws will not be allowed on the city’s main roads. Government Move Beyond city-level initiatives, the government has prepared a draft policy to rein in the use of unregistered battery-operated three-wheelers – widely known as electric auto-rickshaws or easy bikes – across the country. Control battery-run rickshaw movement to avoid accidents: National Committee The proposed Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025, developed by the Road Transport and Highways Division under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, sets out strict requirements. All vehicles must be registered with BRTA and drivers will be required to hold valid driving licences. Parts including motors, controllers, gearboxes, axles, wheels, brakes, headlights, shock absorbers, batteries and chargers must carry BSTI approval. Manufacturers and assemblers will also need to be registered with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Besides, only new vehicles and BSTI-approved parts may be imported, while charging stations must comply with guidelines issued by the Power Division in 2021.  

An anthrax outbreak that first appeared in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur has now spread to two more upazilas, with suspected cases reported in Mithapukur and Kaunia, raising alarm among locals. Health officials said 13 people have so far been diagnosed with anthrax in Pirgachha, where two people died in July and September after developing symptoms of the disease. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) sent a special medical team to Pirgachha last month. On September 13 and 14, they collected samples from 18 suspected patients in Pirgachha Sadar and Parul unions, of which 13 tested positive. “Samples from frozen beef also tested positive for anthrax spores, while one patient was infected after exposure to contaminated goat meat,” an IEDCR source said. The Civil Surgeon’s office in Rangpur confirmed that the two earlier deaths were caused by anthrax. At least 100 others in four unions showed symptoms between July and September and livestock officials previously detected the bacteria in diseased cattle slaughtered in the area. Climate change behind world’s worst dengue death rates in Bangladesh According to Pirgachha Upazila Health Complex, around 60 patients have sought treatment so far, including 30 at the facility’s outpatient department. Upazila Health Officer Dr Muhammad Tanvir Hasnat said, “We are keeping records of all suspected patients. About 90 percent are recovering with treatment. However, the two deaths we confirmed were directly caused by anthrax.” Locals in villages such as Deuti, Purba Parul and Anandee Dhaniram reported that over the past two months anthrax killed more than 150 cattle. The outbreak has also exposed systemic weaknesses in livestock handling and meat sales across Rangpur division. Despite some 1,500 cattle and goats being slaughtered daily in the region’s 1,300 markets, veterinary checks are rarely conducted. No market has a modern slaughterhouse or permanent veterinary presence. Although laws require livestock to be examined before slaughter and butchers to obtain licenses and health clearance, most traders operate without permits, many claiming ignorance of the rules. Chandpur’s century-old municipal clinic closes leaving poor in distress Following the Pirgachha cases, anthrax has spread to neighbouring Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha district, where 60–65 cattle and goats are slaughtered daily across more than 30 sites. Meat vendor Shukur Ali said checks are carried out only at the municipal market. “In Ramganj, unhealthy cattle are often slaughtered and the meat supplied wholesale to other areas,” he added. Livestock Officer Dr Biplob Kumar Dey said authorities were ensuring inspections at Sundarganj’s main slaughterhouses, but admitted enforcement in rural markets remained difficult. A similar situation exists in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, where more than 60 traders operate without licences and health checks. Local butcher Hasinur Islam admitted he was unaware of the requirement. “We don’t slaughter sick animals, so we don’t do health tests. Because of limited space, we often slaughter cattle outside,” he said. Health experts warn that anthrax spreads to humans through contact with infected animals or their products—meat, blood, hides and bones—but not from person to person. The disease typically causes skin lesions and ulcers. From Cells to Care: Khulna’s new central jail promises real change Deputy Civil Surgeon of Rangpur Dr. Ruhul Amin confirmed suspected cases in Mithapukur and Kaunia. “We have sent eight more samples to IEDCR. The results are pending,” he said, urging the public to avoid slaughtering sick cattle. “We have adequate stocks of antibiotics at upazila health complexes. Treatment is effective if patients come early. But since the disease originates in livestock, prevention depends on veterinary measures.” Livestock officials said vaccination drives are being intensified. District Livestock Officer Abu Sayeed reported that over 165,000 cattle, goats and sheep have been vaccinated in Pirgachha, Kaunia, Mithapukur and Rangpur Sadar since August 26. “There is no reason for panic. Awareness programmes are being carried out in mosques, temples and marketplaces,” he said. Division Livestock Director Dr Abdur Hai Sarkar admitted manpower shortages were a major challenge. “We encourage traders to obtain licences and conduct health checks. But we don’t have enough veterinarians to cover every market. Volunteers are now being engaged to assist with inspections,” he said. As officials scramble to contain the outbreak, doctors and public health experts warn that continued neglect of veterinary rules could make anthrax a recurring threat in northern Bangladesh.